Foreign Ministry's press releases

On 27 May 2024, the European Union imposed new sanctions related to the case of opposition politician Alexei Navalny and set up a new sanctions regime linked to the internal situation in Russia. Navalny died in a penal colony in Russia on 16 February 2024. The joint message of EU Member States is that Russia is responsible for Navalny’s death.

The EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 27 May. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting.

The European Commission decided on 22 May 2024 to increase Schengen visa fees as of 11 June 2024. The increase will apply worldwide.

In response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the EU has imposed sanctions prohibiting transactions with the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR).

Finland’s military participation in the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM) has ended and the remaining four Finnish soldiers serving in the training mission have returned home. Since 2013, EUTM Mali has provided mentoring and training to the Malian armed forces to support restoration of a safe operating environment.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit London on 20 May 2024. During her visit, Foreign Minister Valtonen will meet the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron, and the ministers will sign a declaration on a strategic partnership between Finland and the United Kingdom (the UK).

Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend the World Water Forum in Indonesia on 19–22 May. The high-level political forum will strengthen the progress in international water issues initiated by the UN Water Conference.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen has invited Matias Pajula to serve as her Special Adviser.

On 16 May, the Finnish Government submitted a proposal to Parliament concerning the reform of the legislation governing export control of dual-use items. The Government proposes to enact a new act on export control of dual-use items and to repeal the existing act.

The 133rd Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be held in Strasbourg, France, on 16–17 May. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting. In connection with the event, the 75th anniversary of the organisation will be celebrated.